The Hall-Perrine Cancer Center, in partnership with the Cedar Rapids Fire Department, is hosting the Pink Heals Tour on Mon., Aug. 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Founded by former Olympic and professional baseball player and retired fire fighter Dave Graybill, the Pink Heals Tour travels the country each year in a pink fire truck brigade to increase awareness and provide support for women battling all types of cancer.

The Cedar Rapids Fire Department will provide an escort for the Pink Heals Tour as it makes its way from the Central Fire Station (1010 1st Street NW) to Mercy’s Hall-Perrine Cancer Center (701 10th St. SE) on Aug. 13.

The escort will begin at 10:30 a.m., proceeding south on 1st Street to 3rd Avenue SW, left on 3rd Avenue through downtown Cedar Rapids to 10th Street SE, right on 10th Street SE to the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center.

Three pink fire trucks will be parked at the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for public viewing. Cancer survivors, those currently in cancer treatment, or family members of those affected by cancer will be invited to add their signatures to the pink fire trucks.

Additionally, volunteers from the non-profit Pink Heals Tour will be selling books (Pink Heals: The Mending of America by Dave Graybill) and t-shirts. Proceeds from those sales help offset travel expenses, allowing the group to continue their mission across the country.

Also, in honor and recognition of local women battling cancer, firefighters aboard one of the pink fire trucks will deliver flowers to the homes of two separate Hall-Perrine Cancer Center patients in Cedar Rapids.

As the area’s leader in cancer care, Mercy is proud to host the Pink Heals Tour. Those who visit the pink fire truck display will also have an opportunity to register for the upcoming Especially for You ® Race Against Breast Cancer, which take places on Sun., Oct. 7. The annual race is another way Mercy promotes community involvement and increases awareness about the importance of breast cancer screening and early detection.

The Pink Heals tour began its cross-country trek on July 27 and will travel 16,000 miles. For more information about the Pink Heals Tour, visit the official website at www.pinkfiretrucks.org.

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